Tag: Arc Ultra

  • New Philips Hue App Update Brings Exciting Integration Features

    New Philips Hue App Update Brings Exciting Integration Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue smart home users can now control their devices using Sonos Voice Control features.
    2. Five voice commands allow users to modify brightness, alter color, turn lights on/off, activate smart scenes, and control smart plugs.
    3. Integration requires a Philips Hue Bridge or Bridge Pro and is currently available in US English and French.
    4. Users can set up the integration through the Philips Hue app in the Smart home settings.
    5. The Philips Hue app has been updated to version 5.51.0, with bug fixes and stability improvements.

    Philips Hue smart home users can now use the Sonos Voice Control feature to manage their devices. This integration was announced earlier this year and is currently available for many users.

    Voice Control Features

    The Philips Hue voice control feature is being made accessible to Sonos users through firmware updates. A representative from Sonos shared in a forum post that there are five voice commands available, which let users modify brightness, alter color, or turn lights on and off. Additionally, users can activate smart scenes and control smart plugs remotely with these commands. This functionality will be available on products like the Arc Ultra, Arc, Beam (both generations), Era 100, Era 300, One, Move, Move 2, Roam, Roam 2, and Era 100 Pro.

    Setting Up the Integration

    To set up the integration, users can navigate to the Philips Hue app and go to Settings > Smart home > (+) > Sonos. It is important to note that having a Philips Hue Bridge or a Philips Hue Bridge Pro is necessary to utilize this feature (currently priced at $98.99 on Amazon). Another limitation is that the integration presently supports only two languages: US English and French, similar to the broader Sonos Voice Control feature. Unfortunately, there is no information yet on when additional languages may be added.

    App Update Details

    In addition to this integration, Philips Hue has rolled out an update for its smartphone app, now at version 5.51.0. The release notes mention bug fixes, though specific issues aren’t listed. There are also claims of improvements in stability, but again, there are no further details. Users can download the Philips Hue app version 5.51.0 from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

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    New Philips Hue App Update Brings Exciting Integration Features

     

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  • Sonos Plans New Premium Headphones and Ace Price Cut

    Sonos Plans New Premium Headphones and Ace Price Cut

    A few months back, Sonos released the Ace, their first headphones. Sadly, these high-end headphones, priced at $449, haven’t performed as well as the company had hoped. A recent report suggests that Sonos is thinking about creating a new top-tier model.

    Sales Numbers Disappoint

    This information comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg. He mentioned that the Sonos Ace isn’t selling great, with only around 20,000 units sold last month. Earlier reports indicated that the headphones’ lackluster reception led Sonos to cut its yearly production targets from 1 million units down to a mere 100,000 units.

    Product Quality in Question

    It’s not that the Sonos Ace (currently available on Amazon for $439) is a bad product. In fact, it has garnered mostly positive feedback. However, issues with the Sonos app and the Ace’s steep price compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 (which goes for $399 on Amazon) might have hurt its sales figures.

    New Headphones on the Horizon

    Rumor has it that Sonos is working on a new pair of headphones that will be even more upscale than the Ace. The project, codenamed "Roundhouse," is still in its infancy and details are not finalized. Nonetheless, the plan includes launching these new headphones at a price of $450, while also making a permanent price reduction for the Sonos Ace to $399.

    Potential Impact of Price Cuts

    While introducing a new headphone model less than a year after the Ace’s debut might not seem like the best move, fans of Sonos will likely welcome a price drop for the Ace. The sooner this price adjustment happens, the better, especially with the holiday season approaching, which could lead to an increase in sales.

    Sonos Stays Active

    Despite these challenges, Sonos has been busy lately. They recently unveiled the Arc Ultra, a premium smart soundbar priced at $999, alongside the $799 Sub 4 wireless subwoofer. Both new products are available for pre-order and are set to ship on October 29.

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